Why Visit Tromsø?

You can’t miss Tromsø off your Norway itinerary. This place should be at the beginning of your Nordic adventures. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic,’ Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights due to its winter darkness. Visit September, October, and March for the best sightings.

It is also a known spot for whale watching with humpback whales and killer whales within its waters which you can see from October to mid-February. If you come at the right time of year you may be able to see the whales and the Northern Lights at the same time.

As well as breathtaking scenery and quiet, tranquil nature, this city in northern Norway above the Arctic Circle has a historic centre with the familiar centuries old wooden houses that you see across Norway. Wander around the Market Square taking in the great views and stopping at Fangstmonument, the statue of a whaler in a boat, a memorial to the fisherman who have lost their lives in the Arctic. The most iconic monument here is the Arctic Cathedral with a pointy roof and tall stained glass windows that dominate the city’s skyline.

If you love adventure, Tromsø is perfect. Paraglide from the surrounding mountains, go skiing, husky sledding or ice-fishing. Tromsø has everything you need for an Arctic adventure – pink sunsets, snowy landscapes and a gorgeous array of Northern Lights. You may even spot a reindeer or two.

Local’s Tip – “If you go for the whale watching, come before the end of February.”

Solo’s Tip – “Avoid Sundays as the city seems to shut down on this day.”

Tromsø Sightseeing

Tromso Norway Northern Lights

Although there is never a guarantee that you will see the Northern Lights, Tromsø is one of the best places to spot them. The lights are meant to be at their strongest between 8pm and 2am. Tromsø is a great base for a Northern Lights chase but you may not even have to book a tour as there’s a chance that you can see them on your own if the sky is clear.

The Arctic Cathedral

The Arctic Cathedral Tromsø, known as the Tromsdalen Church is so different from others. The triangular structure and stained glass windows give it a different look from a traditional cathedral. Visit during dusk to see it in a magical light as it lights up the skyline. You may even find a concert on at the time that you visit with amazing acoustics. You have to pay to enter. (TIME 1-2 hours). * Find out more 

Take a Tromsø Cruise

Whether you want to go whale watching or just enjoy the tranquility of the fjords, you can view the little towns around Tromsø on a fjord cruise, a different way to sightsee the city. Fjord cruises take at least an hour and leave from the city centre sailing around Tromsø Island or to the ice edge in Ramjorden. As well as seeing whales you may even pass a reindeer. (TIME 1 hour+).

* Check prices for a whale and sea bird boat cruise

Things To Do in Tromsø Norway

Escape the crowds

Head 45 minutes out of town to the little village of Grotfjord where you can hike in the mountains away from the hustle and bustle.

Lose yourself

In the world’s most northerly botanical gardens near the university, you’ll find plants from all different regions such as the Rocky Mountains and the Himalayas, not just the Arctic. Visit during the summer and you may even find the Tibetan blue poppies in bloom.

Get a great view

From the top of Mount Storstein where you can see the mountains and surrounding fjords. The Fjellheisen cable car runs from Solliveien in Tromsdalen and takes less than 5 minutes up the mountain ledge, Storsteinen. If you're feeling active, you can hike to the top instead or take the cable car and do the short hike on top. This is also a great spot for stargazing too. 

You can also get a good view from the ski jumping tower and if you like hiking you can walk from the university to the ski jumping tower to get some exercise for the view, instead of taking the ski lift.

Interact with the locals

Madelasletta is a lovely neighbourhood with a waterfront trail where you’ll find locals going for a Sunday stroll. Sit at the waterfront and admire the view while striking up a conversation.

Places to enjoy the sun

At Telegrafbukta near the Tromsø museum. It’s the local beach and a popular place for enjoying the sun (in the summer of course).

If you can venture outside of the city head to Grotfjord where you’ll find the locals sunbathing on the sandy beach.

Markets

If you get a chance to visit in September your trip may coincide with the SMAK Tromsø Food Festival, a celebration of Norwegian food. It’s an ideal time to try local dishes on a budget. Visit in December for the Christmas market stalls in Market Square.

Tromsø Tours

There are so tours in Tromsø, and even if you don't pre-book one there are plenty of outlets for you to buy a tour here, including for the Northern Lights. I do recommended booking all your Tromso day tours if you're travelling here in the busy seasons especially a Tromso Aurora tour, just to make sure that you don't miss out.

Greenlander are a local tour company who offer small and eco friendly trips. See the Northern Lights with Markus or go on a winter kayaking trip.

Go whale watching on a whale safari Tromso, and ride to Skjervøy to spot humpback whales and orcas, as well as sea eagles and other sea life. Whale watching usually takes place from October to mid- February.

Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and Tromso excursions. Choose from a husky dog sledding adventure, snowmobiling, a RIB boat excursion or a Northern Lights walking tour. If you are there between September and April you can chase the Aurora Borealis, snug in insulated overalls, with the expertise of a guide in tow. There are several to choose from and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online.

* Check all Get Your Guide day tours and prices here

Tromsø Activities For All Solos

Active GatG

If you like hiking, head to Tromsdalen, a valley to the east of the city that’s a gorgeous area to walk around. You’ll find trails for any length whether you want to hike for an hour or a whole day.

Hike to Prestvannet Lake. If you’re there in the winter months the lake can freeze, so you can hike around it and on it! The way up to the lake offers great views but can be a bit steep so you may want to take an easier walk.

Adventure GatG

Tromso is the perfect place for some snow adventure. If you’ve never been snowshoeing before, here is a good place to try. Go snowshoeing, feed the reindeers and see the Tromsø Ice Domes at the same time. * Check prices, dates and availability

Get adventurous with huskies on a husky sledding ride. You can mush your own team of huskies and enjoy a chocolate cake at the end. * Check dates, prices and availability

Do as the Norwegians do and catch yourself a fish. There are lots of opportunities to fish for cod, halibut or trout and you can do ice fishing with a guide too.

Arty & Museum GatG

Tromsø has enough museums to keep you busy during your trip. Here’s my pick of the most interesting.

The Polar Museum – Learn about the country’s expedition history, find out why the Northern Lights happen, and learn more about the rest of Northern Norway including the Svalbard Islands. This museum depicts how life was in history so if you are an animal lover you may find some of the scenes uncomfortable.

Polaria – Is an Arctic aquarium with a very distinct building design. It also houses a panoramic cinema where you can watch movies about the Arctic and the Northern Lights. They do have bearded seals which are an Arctic species. I usually don't promote zoos or aquariums and am unsure how ethical this is, but visit yourself to make your own mind up.

Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum – If you love art, this museum is free to enter and is a great exhibition about Sami art and the culture of northern Scandinavia. It has a beautiful interior and there are handouts with English explanations.

Perspektivet Museum – To find out what Tromsø looked like in the past, this museum has images and videos of the city in bygone days. It’s free to enter so if you have a spare afternoon and have seen and done everything else, it’s a good budget choice for something to do.

Budget GatG

• Go down to the harbour and check out the cruise boats. You may even be allowed on the Hurtigruten boat to order a drink in the cafe and admire the view from the boat.
• Hiring a car may be a cheaper option to taking the tours. Plus you can have as much freedom as you choose.
• With food being expensive here, most restaurants serve lunch deals so you can save money on your lunch until 5pm.

Feed the reindeer and learn about the Sami culture

Where to wear your heels – At the Sky Bar. Not only is it a great bar offering good cocktails but if you’re lucky you may even see the Northern Lights dancing from the terrace.

The Arctic Cathedral

Where to Meet Others

On one of the tours such as the Tromso Beer Safari, where you can meet others in the afternoon and take a 3 hour tour exploring the city on foot visiting atmospheric pubs and bars in the company of others.

Meet students at Studentsamfunnet Driv, a student hang out with cheap food, locally brewed beer and a stage where you’ll find locals dancing to local gigs. Find at Storgata 6.

Accommodation in Tromso

There isn’t really a hostel scene in Tromsø as there is only one hostel in the city (Tromso Activities Hostel) which is ideal if you are travelling here on a budget and looking to meet others. There are lots of good hotels and apartments which are conveniently located in the centre and walkable distance from most of the sights. Below are recommended accommodation in Tromso for solo female travellers. For all other accommodation, click on the link below. 

* Check dates, prices and availability for all accommodation in Tromso

Smarthotel Tromso

If you need to work during your stay you have your own work desk. The lobby offers snacks too so you don’t even need to find a restaurant after a long day of sightseeing. Plus it’s only a short walk from the Polar Museum, Aquarium and cruise terminal.

• Prices start from £57/ €64 for a single room with a private bathroom.
• Check prices, dates and availability: Smarthotel Tromso

MelisHome: Aurora Observatory

I love this place. Its location on the fjord in Kaldfjord makes it such a special place. It feels welcoming and homely and I loved the free sauna. I stayed here for 4 nights and experienced husky sledding and the Northern Lights and warm hospitality from Jonathon, the owner. It is in a stunning location if you’re looking to escape the city and be at one in nature. There is a kitchen to cook your own food and you can arrange an airport transfer and stop in the supermarket on the way. Choose from a private room (single beds) with a view of the fjord. All rooms have shared bathrooms.

• Prices from £23 / €26 per night for a mountain view room
• Check prices, dates and availability: MelisHome: Aurora Observatory

Tromso Lodge and Camping

With a choice of cabins or places to put your own tent, Tromsø Camping is in a perfect location for those who want to be close to the city yet stay in nature. You are also close to the hiking trails of Tromsdalen.

• Prices start from £57 /€64 for an economy cabin (less if you have a tent)
• Check dates, prices and availability: Tromso Lodge and Camping

Scandic Grand Tromso

The Scandic Grand Tromsø offers a buffet breakfast and free tea and coffee. Located on a shopping street, the main attractions are just a short walk away. You’ll also find an onsite cafe and bar serving local and international cuisine.

• Prices from £70 / €80 for a twin room with private bathroom
• Check dates, prices and availability: Scandic Grand Tromso

Things To Do in Tromsø At Night

Depending on the time of year that you visit, you can experience a concert at the Arctic Cathedral which generally starts from 11.00pm. Listen to classical music or Norwegian folk tunes with a combination of organ music, piano or other instruments. A magical experience at night.

Take a star walk and embrace a silent Arctic night on a 7-hour snowshoe experience. Look for animal tracks and enjoy a campfire dinner in a small group.

If you are in Tromsø on a Sunday and find everything else closed, you could watch a movie in the oldest cinema in continuous use in Europe – Verdensteatret Kino. Built in 1916, it has various films and concerts and is worth a look inside.

Party GatG

Tromsø is a student city so it’s a great place to party but because alcohol is expensive you won’t find the locals heading out until late. On the weekends many of the bars and clubs are open until the early hours. Some cafes even have late-night openings. Head to the Beer Hall to start your night.

Meieriet is the city’s largest bar and has a DJ on Thursday nights. Circa is a cavernous bar and if you’re younger than 35 is a good place to party with electronic music and sometimes jazz.